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Hans India
20 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
PM Modi to release 20th installment of PM-KISAN from Varanasi on August 2
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on August 2 from Varanasi, marking another significant step in the government's direct benefit transfer initiative for farmers. The PM-KISAN scheme is a central sector scheme launched in February 2019 by Prime Minister Modi to supplement the financial needs of land-holding farmers. Under this scheme, the financial benefit of Rs 6,000 per year in three equal instalments is transferred into the bank accounts of farmers' families across the country through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. The PM-KISAN scheme is one of the largest DBT schemes in the world. On Wednesday, a high-level meeting to finalise preparations for the nationwide event was held in Delhi, chaired by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Chouhan described the PM-KISAN scheme as a "historic success", highlighting its role in directly supporting farmers' incomes. He announced that the distribution of the 20th instalment would be conducted as a nationwide campaign, with events organised across all states. These gatherings will witness participation from lakhs of farmers, along with Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, MPs, MLAs, and other public representatives. The meeting also included a virtual session with 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), over 100 institutes of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and Vice Chancellors and officials from agricultural universities across India to coordinate efforts ahead of the Varanasi event. "This is not just a financial transaction but a mission to empower our farmers and raise awareness," Chouhan said. He urged that the programme be organised with enthusiasm and wide participation, ensuring it reaches farmers at the grassroots level. The upcoming 20th instalment, amounting to approximately Rs 20,500 crore, will benefit around 9.7 crore farmers nationwide. To ensure maximum participation and outreach, Minister Chouhan directed officials to engage rural networks, including Krishi Sakhis, Drone Didis, Bank Sakhis, Pashu Sakhis, Insurance Sakhis, and Gram Panchayat Sarpanches, to spread awareness about the event and mobilise local communities. "I appeal to all farmer brothers and sisters to actively join these programmes on August 2 and make this a festival of gratitude and empowerment," he added. Also present at the meeting were Union Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, ICAR Director General Dr Mangi Lal Jat, and other senior officials, who discussed logistical details and promotional strategies to ensure the programme's success. Under PM-KISAN, the government provides Rs 6,000 annually to eligible farmers, transferred in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000 each. Since its inception in 2019, the scheme has disbursed over Rs 3.69 lakh crore across 19 instalments, directly into farmers' bank accounts. On February 24, Prime Minister Modi had released the 19th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme in Bihar's Bhagalpur. During the event, over 9.8 crore farmers, including 2.41 crore female farmers, across the country benefited, receiving direct financial assistance exceeding Rs 22,000 crore through DBT without involvement of any middlemen.
News18
a day ago
- Health
- News18
Cattle Virus Surges, Yet Goat Vaccine Used Despite India's Own Breakthrough Shot
Since 2022, India has a scientifically proven, indigenous Lumpy Skin Disease-specific vaccine readily available but there has been no national rollout despite outbreak warnings India is risking a severe wave of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) outbreaks among cattle by continuing to rely on an outdated vaccine despite having a scientifically proven shot, Dr Naveen Kumar, chief of the National Institute of Virology, Pune, has told News18. A painful and infectious viral disease, LSD, which primarily affects cattle and water buffalo, is resurging in parts of India, with fresh outbreaks reported in Maharashtra's Pune, Akola, Satara and Buldhana districts. However, the majority of Indian states, despite losing thousands of animals to LSD, are using 'goatpox vaccination' made from the goatpox virus (GTPV). The goatpox vaccine, as the name suggests, was originally developed for goats. It began to be used in cattle only as a temporary solution when no specific vaccine was available to protect them against the viral LSD. However, that is no longer the case. India, since 2022, has a scientifically proven, indigenous LSD-specific vaccine readily available. Kumar, who is director of India's premier virology institute and also the lead inventor of India's only LSD-specific vaccine, Lumpi-ProVac, told News18: 'While a safer and efficacious homologous vaccine is available, the country continues to use the goatpox vaccine." Kumar developed the vaccine during his stint at ICAR's National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE), Hisar, during the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2022, while Kumar and his team pushed for emergency approval of the vaccine, it wasn't able to get through, and India kept on using the goatpox vaccine. 'I isolated an LSD virus during the 2019 outbreak and developed a homologous, live-attenuated vaccine using the Ranchi strain. We developed Lumpi-ProVac, a homologous, live-attenuated vaccine, he said while adding that 'it remains India's only LSD-specific vaccine, offering 100 per cent protection with no adverse effects and far superior safety compared to global Neethling-based vaccines which are associated with adverse side effects such as local swelling, decrease in milk production and fever in up to 15 per cent vaccinated animals". He recalled the chronology of the making of the vaccine and added that following the controlled experimental trials in calves, the LSD vaccine was tested on more than 2.5 lakh animals in field trials. 'We have published data on 26,900 animals, proving that the vaccine is safe and effective. Otherwise, the requirement for such vaccine approval is testing on around 500-600 animals." However, he warned that with waning herd immunity from the 2022 wave, a larger outbreak is likely in 2025 if robust vaccination isn't ensured. Dual vaccine policy creating confusion Although the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) issued a letter on June 11, 2025, allowing the use of the LSD vaccine alongside goatpox, it stopped short of clearly discontinuing goatpox. As a result, most state animal husbandry departments continue prioritising goatpox, citing existing stockpiles and lack of directive. This has led to confusion among veterinary authorities and state policymakers. 'DAHD must issue clear instructions to phase out goatpox, as it offers limited protection. Moreover, simultaneous use of both vaccines raises the risk of recombination between the GTPV (Uttarkashi strain) and LSDV (Ranchi strain) vaccine viruses, potentially leading to the emergence of a more virulent virus," Kumar pointed out. Similar concern has been raised by the co-inventor of the vaccine, Dr BN Tripathi, who headed the National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE), Hisar, at the time Kumar invented the vaccine. 'This dual vaccine policy is causing deep confusion among state veterinary authorities," Tripathi, former deputy director general (Animal Science), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, told News18. 'Unless DAHD issues clear orders to phase out goatpox, states will keep using it, despite its poor protection. Worse, using both vaccines simultaneously could lead to recombination between the vaccine strains—potentially creating a more virulent virus." Despite vaccinating over 100 million cattle annually with goatpox since 2021, India has seen no conclusive evidence of its effectiveness. In Maharashtra alone, during the 2022 outbreak, over 4.18 lakh cattle contracted LSD despite being vaccinated, resulting in 32,000 deaths. 'Public spending on goatpox vaccine already exceeds Rs 400 crore annually," Tripathi said. Why are cattle being given a goat vaccine? According to veterinary animal scientist Tripathi, the misplaced strategy of using goatpox vaccine instead of Lumpi-ProVac could undo hard-won gains and trigger avoidable livestock losses. In March, Tripathi, who is now vice-chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry, 'requesting the consideration for the adoption" of this vaccine. 'I am requesting your consideration for the adoption of this vaccine as soon as possible, given its approval by the Central Drug Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO). Despite this, a group of proponents of the goatpox vaccine has opposed the ICAR LSD vaccine without providing any scientifically valid arguments since its official release on August 10, 2022," wrote Tripathi, calling himself 'co-inventor" of the vaccine. Tripathi warns that unless mass immunisation with the homologous, live-attenuated vaccine is scaled up immediately, the country could see another devastating outbreak — especially during the monsoon, when hot and humid conditions heighten LSD transmission. While some officials credit the goatpox vaccine for the current decline in LSD cases, he points out the real reason is 'the temporary herd immunity conferred by the widespread 2022 outbreak". This outbreak killed 165,000 cattle and caused Rs 18,000 crore in economic losses. 'That immunity is now waning, and the goatpox vaccine lacks the immune strength to prevent a resurgence." Five firms have commercial licenses Following successful lab trials and large-scale field testing on 2.79 lakh cattle, including pregnant and lactating cows, the vaccine was licensed in 2022 for commercial production. The vaccine produced by Biovet, the Bharat Biotech group, was approved by the drug regulatory authority of India in October 2024, and the vaccine is commercially available with the trade name of 'Biolumpivaxin". There are five firms which are licensed to manufacture the vaccine, including Biovet, Hester Biosciences, Indian Immunologicals Ltd, IVBP Pune and a Karnataka government firm. 'It costs just Rs 1–2 per dose and has already demonstrated game-changing results in real-world deployments," Tripathi said. Unlike the goatpox vaccine, Lumpi-ProVac is the world's only DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) marker vaccine, meeting the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) standards. 'This gives India a critical edge for export and positions it to achieve freedom from infection status, which is impossible with goatpox," Tripathi highlighted. Hailed for 'Chamatkarik Parinam" by CM Yogi top videos View all The vaccine's transformative power was seen at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's gaushala in Gorakhpur. Despite two rounds of goatpox vaccination, the LSD outbreak continued in 2023. At the CM's request, the indigenous vaccine was used — and the outbreak was brought under control almost immediately. 'He was informed that while the vaccine is not yet approved, this can be injected. The vaccine showed results and, in fact, at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) convocation on June 30, Yogi praised the vaccine's performance as a 'chamatkarik parinam" (miraculous outcome) and voiced frustration over delays in national rollout." About the Author Himani Chandna Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 30, 2025, 10:21 IST News india Cattle Virus Surges, Yet Goat Vaccine Used Despite India's Own Breakthrough Shot Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Wire
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Wire
All India Institute of Occult Science Successfully Holds its 21st Convocation Ceremony in New Delhi
New Delhi [India], July 28: The All India Institute of Occult Science celebrated its 21st Convocation Ceremony on 25th July 2025 at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR, New Delhi. The event marked a proud moment for hundreds of students who successfully completed their courses in Astrology, Numerology, Palmistry, Vastu, Tarot, Graphology, and Reiki. The auditorium was filled with emotions, joy, and a strong sense of achievement. Students came from different parts of the country to attend this special day. Each student had their own unique experience to share - many spoke about how their lives changed after joining the institute, and how they found real knowledge and guidance here. The event started with a lamp-lighting ceremony followed by a warm welcome to all the guests and students. Gurudev Shrie Kashyap Ji, the founder of the institute, blessed all his students with heartfelt words, love, and support. His presence and guidance touched everyone deeply, and many students became emotional while sharing how Gurudev personally helped them through tough times in life. The convocation was further graced by the presence of respected ministers who honoured the students by giving them certificates, medals, and blessings: 1. Shri Tokhan Sahu – Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs 2. Shri Satish Chandra Dubey – Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines 3. Shri Janardan Singh Sigriwal – Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) 4. Raj Bhushan Choudhary- Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti of India All the dignitaries praised the efforts of the institute and encouraged the students to continue spreading the light of occult science with honesty and dedication. They also graced the grand certificate distribution ceremony of the Best Astrology Institute – All India Institute of Occult Science by personally handing over the certificates to the students. Over 1200+ students were honoured with passing certificate of respective course completion. They also gave their best wishes for the bright future of all the students. The most special moment of the event was when Gurudev Shrie Kashyap Ji made a heart-touching announcement for the students who received gold, silver, and bronze medals. All of them were given a special envelope, which contained a golden opportunity - the chance to become a teacher and guide others in the same field. This thoughtful gesture recognized the students' hard work and gave them a proud path forward to become Gurus themselves. As earlier promised by founder Gurudev Shrie Kashyap Ji, the institute stood by its commitment to society. It was announced that students who are unable to pay fees and belong to BPL card holder families will be offered courses for just ₹1. It was also announced during the 19th convocation that cancer patients, who are fighting for their lives, will also be given this opportunity to study at the institute for just ₹1. This promise was fulfilled - and in this 21st convocation, 120+ BPL card holders and cancer patients successfully completed their courses and were honoured with certificates during the ceremony. Their presence and achievements added even more meaning to the event, making it a truly inclusive and inspiring celebration. That is why All India Institute of Occult Science is considered to be the best institute for occult science studies like astrology course, numerology course, palmistry course, vastu course, tarot course, graphology course, reiki course, etc The 21st convocation was not just a ceremony - it was a celebration of learning, growth, and transformation. Everyone who attended felt proud and inspired. With every convocation, the All India Institute of Occult Science continues to prove that it is a place where real knowledge meets real change. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Climate change likely to reduce rainfed rice yields by 20% during 2050s and 10-47% during 2080s: Centre reply in Rajya Sabha
The climate change especially irregular rainfall patterns and high temperature is likely to affect the productivity of crops significantly in future, said the union ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare in a reply to a query in Rajya Sabha during the ongoing monsoon session of the Parliament, Friday. Responding to a query if the government is aware of how climate change can impact agricultural productivity, Bhagirath Choudhary, the minister of state for agriculture, replied that a study has been conducted to assess the impact of climate change on productivity of crops. 'Yes, the Government implements ICAR flagship network project 'National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture' (NICRA) to study the impact of climate change on agriculture including crops, livestock, horticulture and fisheries. Study revealed that in the absence of adaptation measures, climate change is likely to reduce rainfed rice yields by 20% during 2050's and 10-47% during 2080's. Irrigated rice yields projected to be reduced by 3.5% during 2050's and 5% during 2080's. Wheat yield is also likely to be reduced by 19.3% during 2050's and 40% during 2080's. Kharif maize yields projected to be reduced by 10-19% during 2050's and >20% during 2080's,' said the minister. 'Climate change especially irregular rainfall patterns and high temperatures is likely to affect the productivity of horticultural crops. For example, 36.6% yield loss in onion occurs by continuous six days water logging, high temperature stress of >40°C during flowering stage in tomato causes 65% yield loss, 1.5-2 degree rise in winter temperatures leads to shifting of apple cultivation from low to high altitudes and results in 30% yield reduction. Similarly, increasing temperature due to climate change is likely to impact livestock production and animal health resulting into a decline in productivity in terms of milk, meat, wool and draught power. Further, a rise in temperature just by 1°C would cause a profound impact on survival and geographical distribution of different fresh water and marine fish species. Brackish water aquaculture is moderately vulnerable to seasonal variations (20-40% loss) and highly vulnerable to extreme weather events (EWEs) like a flood, heavy rains and cyclones (50 to 100% loss),' the minister said. On the steps that are being taken to make farmers aware of climate-resilient agricultural technologies, the minister further said: 'The Government has undertaken steps to develop and out-scale climate-resilient agricultural technologies through Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW). The Government has developed various climate-resilient agricultural technologies viz. promotion of climate resilient varieties [2661 tolerant varieties (cereals 1258; oilseeds 368; pulses 410; fibre crops 358; forage crops 157, sugarcane 88 and other crops 22) developed, since 2014], resilient cropping systems, conservation agriculture, crop diversification, agroforestry systems, zero till drill sowing, alternate methods of rice cultivation, green manuring, integrated nutrient and pest management, organic farming, site specific nutrient management, in-situ moisture conservation, supplementary irrigation, micro-irrigation, sub-surface drainage and soil amendments. These technologies are demonstrated in 151 districts through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).' 'To help farmers in building resilience against extreme weather events and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability in the country, the Government of India implements National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) through DA&FW, which is one of the Missions within the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPC),' he added.
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Science
- Indian Express
Data breach at ICAR hits key recruitment, agri research projects
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the country's apex research organisation in the sector, suffered a security breach earlier this year that led to the loss of 'crucial data' related to a range of areas, from recruitment to research projects, The Indian Express has learnt. Documents reviewed by this newspaper show that ICAR constituted a six-member committee this month to submit 'recommendations' regarding the 'non-functionality of the DC (Data Centre) and DRC (Disaster Recovery Centre)'. The panel was also asked to suggest 'suitable measures' to ensure data security and 'prevent recurrence of such incidents in future'. The committee, which was directed to submit its report by July 31, is yet to meet, one of its members told this newspaper. According to sources, the breach occurred in April and affected the ICAR's website, its server in Delhi and its replication server at the National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) in Hyderabad. 'Data related to recruitment, from Technical Officers to Deputy Directors General (DDG) and job applications sought last year, is missing. The missing data also covers a large number of projects and related information submitted by scientists online and preserved in repositories. It includes email communications,' sources said. The Indian Express spoke to several ICAR scientists, from Lucknow, Karnal, Hyderabad, Pune and Delhi, and all of them said there were 'problems on the portal' and that they have raised the issue several times. 'It is not only our email communication system that is not working. The problem is that crucial data of recruitment, finances, scientists, research projects and administrative work has vanished from the server and replication server,' said a senior scientist. When contacted, M L Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education, and Director General of ICAR, told The Indian Express: 'A few months back, there was some hacking of our website. Presently, everything is normal. The Ministry has constituted a committee in a follow-up of our data policy. That is a continuous process.' A senior member of the Council's Knowledge Management division said: 'Our website was restored in mid-May this year but another website is still not working.' The ICAR, which marked its 97th Foundation Day in New Delhi on July 16, describes itself as an organisation that 'has been spearheading agricultural research, education and extension activities for productivity enhancement and diversification of Indian agriculture'. Sources said the affected data was mainly related to Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI) and National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), all of which function under ICAR. R C Agrawal, the then DDG of ICAR who was also acting director at NAARM, said, 'I am superannuated now. I cannot comment.' IASRI director Rajendra Prasad declined to comment. An official in NAARM said, 'We are aware of this data disruption and are facing problems. But I can't tell you anything else.' According to sources, the security breach was raised during the Annual General Meeting of the ICAR Society, chaired by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in Delhi on July 7. Chouhan subsequently directed the formation of the six-member committee to be headed by Dr D K Yadava, DDG (Crop Sciences), ICAR. Yadava did not respond to requests from The Indian Express for comment. A member of the committee said, 'We are yet to hold a meeting as we are busy with several things. But we are planning to have one soon.' Shyamlal Yadav is one of the pioneers of the effective use of RTI for investigative reporting. He is a member of the Investigative Team. His reporting on polluted rivers, foreign travel of public servants, MPs appointing relatives as assistants, fake journals, LIC's lapsed policies, Honorary doctorates conferred to politicians and officials, Bank officials putting their own money into Jan Dhan accounts and more has made a huge impact. He is member of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). He has been part of global investigations like Paradise Papers, Fincen Files, Pandora Papers, Uber Files and Hidden Treasures. After his investigation in March 2023 the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York returned 16 antiquities to India. Besides investigative work, he keeps writing on social and political issues. ... Read More
